Posted by td @ 09/28/2003 09:48 AM PST

If you take peppermint oil and mix it in with some lotion and some gentle soap, and wash your face with it, you will be invigorated and rejuvenated for the rest of the day.

Speaking of which: Who here has gone to a spa of sorts, and had things done like massages, manicures, pedicures, steam treatments, etc, etc, etc (Name the musical :)?

And today, I have divided loyalties...The Patriots ands playing the Redskins. I grew up with the Patriots, having half of my family based on Boston, but at this moment, I live less than 5 minutes away from the Redkins practice field/home grounds. And neither team is more then mediocre...so I am divided.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 09:49 AM PST

I, too, become quite enamored with SCROOGE last night, so much so that I watched it in toto. Finney is remarkable, absolutely remarkable; I feel that it is one of the great musical characterizations put on screen. Then there's that sequence with Edith Evans where youthful Finney in on view, and my heart leaps up! But, enough about me. . .what's up with the other dear readers?

Oh! Almost forgot to mention that before watching SCROOGE, I was delighted and thoroughly entertained by Mr. Don Knotts in THE GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN on dvd.

Posted by td @ 09/28/2003 09:50 AM PST

Whoops! "Ands" should be "Are". That's weird.

Oh and the Compliment of the Day goes to BK! From the very first sentence of the email he sent back to me, I knew he was an incredible person. He's full of advice, intelligence, humor, talent, and all that jazz, and he never ceases to amaze me with his attitude towards even the most negative things! I've felt very welcome here because of him, which is what keeps me sticking around. So "mercy buckets" and a *high five* to BK :)

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 09:58 AM PST

THE TAILS OF BONNIE AND CLYDE, Chapter III.

Note: The first two chapters of these tails can be found in the Unseemly Comments from yesterday, 09/27/03.

“As long as we’re here,” der Brucer decided, “we might as well stop by that office supply store and get that color cartridge replaced. By the way, have you noticed how neither dog has had a problem riding in the car? Everyone talks about dogs getting car sick, I’ve never had a dog that’s had a problem.” We did our shopping, or more correctly der Brucer shopped while I waited in the car with Bonnie and Clyde, and then went back home again.

This brought up a new problem. How would Marty, Mikey, and Kelsey react to having two new dogs in the house, even for a short while? A test was in order. While I waited outside, der Brucer went to fetch the easiest to control of our trio, little Mikey. The reaction was quite good, with wags and sniffs from everyone involved. “You know,” I commented, “our guys have been to the kennel every time we’ve had to go on a trip. They’ve never had a problem hanging out with the other dogs there.” We decided to take the new two inside.

Kelsey, bless that old grouchy daschund, basically decided to ignore the visitors. We’ve had him for seventeen years, and he likes to spend most of his time resting on his pillows. His back and legs are giving out, his eyesight is poor, and he prefers soft food that he can gum instead of food these days. Marty and Mikey, on the other hand, were very interested in Bonnie and Clyde. Marty was particularly interested in Bonnie. The red flags, if I’d been paying attention, were flying.

The new and probably predictable crisis took place while I was running prints of the pups using the new color cartridge. There was a sudden yelping from the back bedroom, followed by der Brucer yelling “Woody! Where are you?” I wasn’t fast enough to see what had happened, but instead found der Brucer chasing after Marty and Bonnie through the kitchen. “Dammit, Marty! Don’t Hump Bonnie!”

I’ve never had much experience with the female of the species, not of my own nor of the canine variety, so I’d had no real idea about what I’d just missed witnessing. Apparently, Marty had just tried to mount our young lady guest. “Isn’t that what male dogs do with female dogs?” I was innocent enough to ask. “They usually can’t, unless the female is in heat,” der Brucer replied, clearly angry with himself. “I should have spotted her swelling back there. I didn’t think she was old enough.”

It was partly our own fault that Marty would try to perform as a male dog would, but since we’ve only owned male dogs for as long as we’ve been together this wasn’t something we thought about much. We had found Kelsey at the old city pound with his happy parts already detached, and while Mikey had been very tiny when we added him to our family the regulations were clear that he too had to be snipped before being placed with us. Marty, on the other hand, had come from a different pound in a different local city, and the rules and regulations hadn’t been so strictly enforced. Frankly, he’s got a pair of marvelous low-hangers, and could be a star if there were such a thing as doggie porn. Not being inclined towards puppy-making myself, the consequences of that fact had never been very important to me…until now.

Between the two of us, der Brucer and I somehow managed to pick up Bonnie and get her into our back yard without Marty knocking us down in his attempts to knock Bonnie up. While we were at it, we also placed Clyde outside, as he’d been trying to mark everything in the house as his territory. That was strange to watch, as Clyde knew enough to lift his leg but hadn’t figured out that he was also supposed to squirt. For me, this was just one more proof that Bonnie and Clyde were still very young, but just old enough to both get into and cause trouble.

By this time, there were enough pictures of the duo printed up to post throughout the neighborhood. If I was going to get the area plastered with our posters before the local kids got out of school, I had to get hoofing.

To Be Continued...

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/28/2003 10:08 AM PST

SWW - I just spat coffee out at my computer screen laughing.

:)

Posted by Emily @ 09/28/2003 10:15 AM PST

SWW--Your Bonnie and Clyde story is wonderful! Keep it up!

TD--I haven't seen Scrooge, but I recently saw another musical featuring that Great Lady of Musical Theatre, Dame Edith Evans, hehe. It was The Slipper and the Rose, with a delightful score by the Sherman Brothers, and transposed the tale of Cinderella to a fictional country called Euphrania in the 18th century (so of course the costumes were gorgeous). Richard Chamberlain looked oh-so-studly (and sang very well) playing the Prince and Gemma Craven was a charming Cinderella.

Have any other DRs seen this movie and how do you think it compares to R&H's Cinderella?

Posted by Maya @ 09/28/2003 10:33 AM PST

I have been following the Bonnie and Clyde story with a big smile on my face. Can't wait for the next chapter. Wish my pet story were as delightful. I couldn't post yesterday as Keith was on the computer researching diabetes in cats. Friday afternoon our sixteen year old cat began dragging her legs behind her. Off to the vet I rushed for x-rays and blood work. The x-rays were normal. As the vet would be gone for the weekend I had the blood work faxed to us. As we feared, she has prednisone induced diabetes. For the last four years prednisone has been keeping her alive, something I keep reminding myself. Tomorrow we shall talk to the doctor and decide what to do. We know giving her injections throughout the day will totally freak her out, so we can't imagine that as an option.

I have a question. Shall I rent the DVD of the first episodes of Alias?

Posted by Jane @ 09/28/2003 10:51 AM PST

Today, I will be out and about and then I will be ushering for a matinee performance of Art that's being presented here (Olympia, WA) by a semi-professional group. I've heard that it's very good. The company does very good work.

I won't be able to chat tonight because after Art, I am going to my parents' house to celebrate my sister's birthday (it actually was yesterday). Yesterday morning (on her birthday), my sister and her boyfriend left to go see James Taylor in concert at The Gorge in George, Washington (yes, there really is a town called George, Washington -- it's the only town in the entire country named for a president). They're not coming back till this afternoon because George and The Gorge are on the east side of the state and mountain passes must be driven over. Tonight, we'll be partying (fairly sedately, however) till the cows come home. And don't worry, they will. Our games of choice are usually Sorry!, Aggravation or Phase 10. They're all just so much fun and the entire family can enjoy them!

Posted by George @ 09/28/2003 10:59 AM PST

Sunday.

Maya - I liked SLIPPER AND THE ROSE a lot! Hard to compare it with R/H which I liked a lot too, such a fun score.

Mostly watching SciFi channel today, nothing much else on that I am interested in. I suppose I could read something....

Rain...

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/28/2003 11:00 AM PST

DR Jane - I hope everything goes as well as possible with your cat. No doubt she's grateful that her comfort and dignity are uppermost in your mind.

DR S. Woody - Like Maya and Jane, I find "Bonnie and Clyde" (what's the subtitle?) a page-turner.

For my free-for-all topic, I was thinking about theatre etiquette and remembering a great lesson my Uncle Al taught me. Years (and years) ago, Uncle Al took my brother and me to a vaudeville show. We came in at the beginning of one of the acts, sat through the movie, and then watched the live performances resume. At the point where we had come in, I stood up to leave. Uncle Al gently coaxed me back into my seat, and we stayed till the movie was about to begin again. Uncle Al later explained that the particular performers - even though we had seen them already - would feel bad to see us leave before their act.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/28/2003 11:09 AM PST

Dan, you have a caring way with words. Thank you for the thought. I also enjoyed the story of your Uncle Al.

Posted by Jane @ 09/28/2003 11:46 AM PST

Bruce, does the Robin Hood DVD have any interesting extras?

Posted by Charles Pogue @ 09/28/2003 12:07 PM PST

DR Susan's film MAN IN THE NET is on TCM early Tuesday morning! She does a super job in this one and it also stars Alan Ladd and Diane Brewster (one of Beaver Cleavers teachers) and Carolyn Jones. Don't miss it!

And if anyone is interested a wonderful old Spencer Tracy film called DANTE'S INFERNO is playing on FOX movies this month. Wonderful special effects in this early disaster type film!! One of my favorites and I am so happy to be able to get a good copy to watch now!!

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/28/2003 12:10 PM PST

Jane, I will be thinking of you and you cat! What a tough situation, I am so sorry. What is her name?

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/28/2003 12:13 PM PST

Dear DR Jane: You've clearly loved your cat for a very long time, and been loved in return. Give yourselves the time you need, and all will be well.

As for the Alias, Season One DVDs, by all means rent them! They are addictive. I've been going through them two or three episodes at a time. The show has great cliffhangers and stunts, and almost always manages to keep the momentum running. The only time there's been an interruption in the flow is with episode 17, "Q&A," which is very clearly a network-mandated episode to fill in the storyline for those who weren't watching from the start. (The car crash at the end of the episode makes up for this lapse, thankfully. It's spectacular.) There are also some commentaries for a few of the episodes, if you enjoy that sort of thing. I'm planning on playing those after I run through the entire season. AND Season Two is scheduled for DVD release in December! AND Season Three has it's network premeire tonight! Der Brucer and I are looking forward to that.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/28/2003 12:29 PM PST

OOPS! Sorry, didn't mean to double-post. (At least it gets us closer to a hundred posts.)

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/28/2003 12:34 PM PST

I, too, enjoyed our invigorating whatnot last night.

I am rather displeased to see you have likened me to a cow ("the fershluganah cows came home").

I had to leave early. I'd have told you, but you slept so peacefully.

Posted by Elsie Clarabelle Lee @ 09/28/2003 12:34 PM PST

OOPS! Sorry, didn't mean to double-post. (At least it gets us closer to a hundred posts.)

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/28/2003 12:37 PM PST

I’m very sorry to intrude. I’ve only lurked here but read the “Adventures of Robin Hood” DVD remark and have to ask if that is the Errol Flynn version your talking about. He was one of my first “loves” even though I was a little girl. I didn’t know until much later that he was dead before I was born. I was going to grow up and marry him, you see. I’ve been waiting forever for them to start releasing his movies onto DVD. I have most the VHS releases but as we all know, the tapes get old and do break.

Apologies for intruding again.

D

Posted by Danise @ 09/28/2003 01:44 PM PST

Have we really had an hour-long lull? Things must be fairly crowded in tarnation.

The dear bride and I will be in transit during the chat. Leaving earlier than anticipated, because it's slowing me down to enter music without a midi keyboard. The big choral number was finished, with full accompaniment. One other number, and it's a brief one, has full accompaniment. The rest of the score is currently in lead sheet form...

I was taught that no composer worth his salt EVER turns over lead sheets to a musical director. If you can't say what you want to say in a fully written-out score, it can't really be worth saying.

But so many crises have cropped up with the wedding (2 weeks away) that I've not had enough time to do more than lead sheets. And the bride's big number isn't finished. I feel terrible about this, like I'm something of a slob. But there's just no time.

And where can I go on a Sunday for a great wedding day shave and a haircut.

(I hope ending that paragraph with the words "shave and a haircut" didn't put any dear reader in suspension. Someone else can provide the resolution; me, I really need a barber.)

Posted by Noel @ 09/28/2003 01:49 PM PST

You aren't intruding! New people are loved here :)
Stick around! Post! Come to Chat tonight at 6 o'clock PST!

:)

The Redskins won...eh. People on my street are having "The Redskins Won" parties...how sad is that?

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 01:55 PM PST

Francois, are you there (or here)?
I have some news on KAREN MORROW! Although she won't be starring per se, she will be one of the performers in Jerry Herman's show. Others include Paige O'Hara, Jason Graae and Don Pippin.

October 18
Chosky Theatre
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ph: 412-281-3973

Will you fly out? :-)

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 09/28/2003 01:55 PM PST

Terribly sorry about the multiple posts. (I'm not on my own computer.) "Shave and a haircut" is bad enough just once...

Posted by Noel @ 09/28/2003 01:59 PM PST

The time's are screwed up...last time I checked it was only off by 3 hours my time...

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 02:54 PM PST

Huh...they're fixed...weird.

Where ARE you people? Come out of tarnation and keep me company with your intelligent and witty posts.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 02:55 PM PST

Sarah--I feel under such pressure to be witty and intelligent now! Or at least to present the illusion of being so ;)

I really don't have anything remotely interesting to say. I may go up and watch Passion in a bit. Not my favorite Sondheim, but Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzie and Jere Shea (whatever happened to him anyway?) are all so good that it may as well be one of my favorites.

How about a clothes call? I am wearing a maroon and white print shirt and blue jeans. I am as barefoot as a hillbilly.

Posted by Maya @ 09/28/2003 03:15 PM PST

Where in tarnation IS everyone? We were doing so well on the weekends and naturally, now that this is the one weekend we must not snooze we are snoozing. Really, those who are errant and truant will be bitch-slapped from here to eternity. THIS is the place to be, not some OTHER place. You will not have any supper until you get off your butt cheeks and post. Chat at six and be there or be round.

Noel, I shall remove your multiples now which means we'll have even less posts.

Posted by bk @ 09/28/2003 03:37 PM PST

Hello All!

I'm done! WOW! I made it through all six weeks, and my brain is still intact. In fact, I'm actually a bit emotional over the whole thing. As soon as we settled the last casting decision, I could feel the tears coming on... I'll probably cry later - probable in the middle of Varekai - which we're about to run off to see, so...

Sorry, I won't be able to make the chat - and I'm even in the same time zone this time! But I'll check when I get back from the Cirque..

As for clothes... A Banana Republic day for me: black stretch poplin shirt, straight leg jeans, brown shoes, etc...

Later..

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 09/28/2003 03:39 PM PST

Hello and welocme Danise. You've broken the ice so come swimming with the rest of us.
DR Donna: No François until next Friday. I shall email him your information. (We non North Americans stick together!)

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/28/2003 03:40 PM PST

Pogue: Tons of extras in the Robin Hood set - a whole second disc's worth. Watching The Quiller Memorandum, screenplay by Harold Pinter. Very strange but so far not unenjoyable.

Welcome, Danise. Yes, it's the Flynn, and they've now released a few of his films on DVD - go to amazon.com and search "Errol Flynn" under DVD.

Posted by bk @ 09/28/2003 03:44 PM PST

Thanks for the tip on the DVD's and the welcome. I know about some of them making the jump but hadn't heard that "AORH" had made the jump. It's one of my favorites.

I guess I should come "clean" and tell you that you do know me from another board--I post as DofB5--but in my past lurkings (is that a word?, I read you don't use screen names here.

D

Posted by Danise @ 09/28/2003 03:53 PM PST

Welcome DR Danise...did you bring Danephew with you?

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/28/2003 04:38 PM PST

*chuckle* If I had a nickel for every time I heard that one....

D

Posted by Danise @ 09/28/2003 04:46 PM PST

So many Australian references here of late. "The Boy From" OZ, "Emoh Ruo", "Priscilla QOTD",Hugh Jackman, and now Errol Flynn.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/28/2003 04:46 PM PST

I am wearing blue jeans, a red teeshirt that says "The Teeny Bikini Surf Shop, Malibu Beach, CA, American Eagle", and, of course, the cushy Adidas sandals.

I am very much looking forward to chat tonight...don't know WHY, I just am :)

Here's a question for DR's: What is the show you've seen the most often...I know I've seen South Pacific WAAAY too many times, I think I saw it 5 times this summer...but it's just a good show, and I love it.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/28/2003 04:47 PM PST

Speaking of things Australian, I watched "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" on LD last night, then followed with a viewing of "Strictly Ballroom."

The evening ended with "Ryan's Daughter."

I'm getting ready to grill a steak! I've fried some squash, and I have some fresh end-of-summer beefsteak tomatoes.

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/28/2003 05:19 PM PST

Nope, no screen names here. Much more personable that way. You'll find it quite different here than on that "other" board.

Chat in fifteen minutes. Be there or be round but don't show up if you haven't POSTED.

Posted by bk @ 09/28/2003 05:46 PM PST

DR Danise: Welcome!

DR Donna: Omigod! Thank you so much for the news! I'll be at CMU that night, that's for certain! How can I wait?!?!?! (Oh, a Lerner & Loewe reference)!

Posted by td @ 09/28/2003 05:56 PM PST

Welcome to new DR Danise! I've seen your postings on the other board and quite enjoy them. I don't post there often now (I just prefer it here), but I'm Bwaybabie over there.

Hope to see you at chat!

Posted by Maya @ 09/28/2003 05:59 PM PST

Chat is OPEN.

Posted by bk @ 09/28/2003 06:00 PM PST

I just left a most sparkling and effervescent chat at 9:31 pm. I came back from the Isle of Long in time to join after an errant and truant weekend. I'll post in the morning. Bye.

Posted by Ben @ 09/28/2003 06:32 PM PST

DR Noel--Here's the resolution you hinted at: two bits. (I'm a bit surprised no other dear reader provided it.)

DR Danise--Welcome!

Posted by Jay @ 09/28/2003 06:38 PM PST

Denise - welcome aboard!

And to HHW's everywhere (especially bk and Susan) -"L'Shana Tovah" - Happy New Year 5764!

Posted by Phil @ 09/28/2003 06:40 PM PST

OOPS - that's Danise!

Posted by Phil @ 09/28/2003 06:41 PM PST

What a great chat!

What fun peopel.

And we learned all about Brent and the mad dash of Melanie in Chicago!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/28/2003 06:53 PM PST

On Wednesday, don't forget to ask DR Maya about dark-haired, non-Gentile men. . . .oh, the things one learns in chat!!!!

Posted by td @ 09/28/2003 07:12 PM PST

MBarnum, my cat's name is Bosco. My husband named her that because she looks as if she has Bosco syrup splashed on her face and body. She is a tortoise shell and white cat. We got her when our youngest son, the one in the Peace Corps, was in 1st or 2nd grade. I remember taking her to show and tell in a basket.

Welcome, Danise.

Phil, thank you for the New Year wishes.

Posted by Jane @ 09/28/2003 07:22 PM PST

DR Ron P: Paul Mecurio from "Strictly Ballroom" is in "The Full Monty" which opens here on New Year's Eve.
There is talk of a staging of Priscilla. I assume they will not use ping-pong balls on stage!

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/28/2003 08:14 PM PST

Welcome, Danise!!

Sarah: I've seen PHANTOM OF THE OPERA seven times. I've seen CHICAGO five times now, and DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES five times, as well.

BK: Brent sends his love, and Mr. Bill Russell, who was at the matinee of LITTLE SHOP today, sends salutations and greetings.

Speaking of Brent and LITTLE SHOP, I had another eventful day of theatre-going. LITTLE SHOP was pretty much the same as last night, so there's nothing to report there. But, Kerry made me cry again...

As for CHICAGO...well...that's a horse of a different color. Mr. Brent Barrett, wonderful as he may be, has always seemed to be second chair to whatever leading ladies have been starring in CHICAGO. I'm happy to say, though, that that situation has finally been rectified! Brent was without question the star of the show tonight and his two leading ladies were anything but. Diedre Goodwin was good, but not spectacular, and Ms. Melanie Griffith? FUHGETABOUTIT! She did not do one dance step in all of "Roxie," with the exception of a gallop across the stage when she realized she was on the wrong side, and they reworked the "Hot Honey Rag" to the point that not even poor Diedre could make it look pretty...and she's a fabulous dancer! I think Ms. Griffith thought she was back in Hollywood, acting on-camera, because everything was delivered in a very casual, sloppy fashion and her singing was high-school level at best. And I'm not sure if she forgot that she was in front of an audience, but she started giggling before the "Press Conference Rag." Mr. Barrett, however, owned the stage from the moment he made his entrance. This was my first time seeing him in a show, and I certainly hope it won't be the last. He was witty, charming and handsome and his voice was pristine. And he was very nice after the show. We even got to go onstage!! :-) He didn't remember me from the Jeepers Creepers recording session, but, then again, I didn't expect him to. He was shocked when I mentioned it, and I made sure to tell him his track sounded wonderful.

So, that's my weekend wrap-up. In two weeks I see THE BOY FROM OZ again...twice...and WICKED...twice. Should be fun!!

Jose: Congrats on finishing up. Enjoy your time off, bud.

Posted by Jason @ 09/28/2003 08:34 PM PST

Juliana's Journal has been updated and just in time!

Posted by Craig @ 09/28/2003 08:54 PM PST

Welcome, DR Danise.

I liked THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE well enough when I saw it in theaters in the 1970s, and I bought the DVD a year or so ago, but it has sat on the shelf unopened. There always seems to be other things I want to see more. I'll get around to watching it again one of these days.

I am anxiously awaiting my DVD of SCROOGE. The widescreen laserdisc has gotten much play at my house over the years, and with the DVD being anamorphic, well, I am expecting a bit better resolution, but thanks, bk, for the tip on the filtering. I'll see for myself soon enough. Boy, do I love that film!

I read a review on another site of SCROOGE where the reviewer said none of the songs in SCROOGE were the least bit melodic. I think the reviewer must have a tin ear. Putting aside the repetatively jaunty "Thank You Very Much," how can someone not find "Christmas Children," "Happiness," "The Beautiful Morning," "A CHristmas Carol," or "I Like Life" melodic? Maybe I'm prejudiced since I not only loved the movie since I first saw it at Radio City Music Hall but also dreamed of one day doing one of the roles on stage and finally getting to. It's a GRAND score.

Posted by Matt H. @ 09/28/2003 08:55 PM PST

Again, I'm sorry I missed the chat, but...

The new Cirque du Soleil show, Varekai, has to be one of the best evenings of entertainment I've ever had the pleasure to be pleased by. It truly was a wonderful evening all around. Very well paced, great performers, great music, and the clowns are actually funny this time! -Some of the past shows, the clowns humor - or lack thereof - has been a little dark for me. People were standing and clapping after the first piece! And it's amazing just how effective and affective some of the simplest "gimmicks" can be: little lights on the end of a piece of string, a piece of white cloth, a feather, a spot light, a microphone, a frown, a smile. *And we had great seats too!

As for shows I've seen too many times... well, for me, it's more like shows I've played too many times: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, 4 times; PIPPIN, 3 times; INTO THE WOODS, 5 times; SWEENEY TODD, 3 times, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, 2 (I know that's not a lot, but since the show is not done that often...); and I've done at least three different versions of ANYTHING GOES.

And Thank You, Jason, for the well wishes!

*I'll be back up in NYC next week for a mini-vacation... Do I sense another mini H/K get-together?

-And DR Tom was "wondering" if I'm the Hainsie/Kimlet who holds the record for meeting the most Hainsies/Kimlets... well, besides the original Hainsie/Kimlet, himself, BK... Hmmm... I wonder..

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 09/28/2003 09:49 PM PST

Got home from a convention a few hours ago and promptly collapsed for awhile. When I awoke, I posted the following on the Scarlet Street Message Boards:

Well, we didn't get the shipment till mid-afternoon of the second day of the Monster Mania convention, but JEEPERS CREEPERS: GREAT SONGS FROM HORROR FILMS finally arrived and it's a lovely thing to behold--and hear.

From a business point of view, it also passed its most important test--JEEPERS CREEPERS was purchased by fans who had no prior knowledge of the album before seeing it at the Scarlet Street tables. And it got to be a delightful and very gratifying running gag that people (from us horror old-timers to goths with more tattoos than Rod Steiger in THE ILLUSTRATED MAN) would, while passing by the tables, hear a tune and start to dance.

Of course, JEEPERS CREEPERS was also bought by Scarlet Streeters who were at the show and had been hearing about the album for some months past. And those who placed pre-orders via mail or online at http://www.mycottage.com/SCARLET/CDjeepers.htm (where those who haven't placed their orders should go right now) will be receiving their copies this week.

As Nero Wolfe says--"Satisfactory!"

Posted by Richard Valley @ 09/28/2003 10:05 PM PST

How exciting! My friend, Russell, from MTI is the featured guest on Donald Feltham's new Radio Show! I just started listening, so we'll see which clips Donald decided to use. Perhaps a few from MOBY DICK!?!

Posted by Jason @ 09/28/2003 10:15 PM PST

Teehee...I just heard all the MOBY stuff. My sweet little friend Megan sounds wonderful! (Its almost like I'd never heard it before). We had so much fun doing that recording. I'm glad you guys will get to hear some of it.

Posted by Jason @ 09/28/2003 11:04 PM PST

I was E&T all day because we went to two shows. LITTLE SHOP holds up in a large theatre better than I expected but I missed the vines falling out of the ceiling and enveloping the audience at the end. This is what people who saw it off-Broadway remember the most (at least the few I talked to), but other than that it was a first raste production.

EMOH RUO needs work but it could all come together. It's soap opera plot is interesting but the score is a little too downbeat. There are comic moments in the show and they need to be musicalized too. Our own Allison Fraizer was wonderful as always.

BK - Since you no longer have to go to the office can we go back to alternating chat between Sunday and Monday like we used to?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/29/2003 06:29 AM PST

Well it would be unseemly to post a review of a reading, so I won't really be doing that.

What I did want to say is that for a first reading, it was a very solid and emotional piece. I did not get a chance to see Prodigal, but I have the CD. The music and lyrics in the reading last night were very strong. The depth and emotional impact far exceed the songs that were in Prodigal and it's nice to see how these two aussies have matured in their skills.

The cast they had assembled did a great job with the material, but I wanted to make a special mention of one in particular. Ms. Amanda Watkins. I'm not sure if the part she played was just so perfect for her or what, but one could not take their eyes (and ears) off of her for the entire evening. She's someone I will definitely be interested in seeing on stage again (and soon!)

Kudos go to the rest of the cast: Alison Fraser, Luther Creek, Garrett Long and Darren Ritchie.

I'm looking forward to seeing if and how this show progresses...

WEL-

The Virginia is way too big of a house to do the vine effect and also, given the current litigation-crazy world we live in, trust me - there's not a snowballs chance in hecky durn they would even try it. Or perhaps you aren't aware of the "CAT" that was sued a few years back...

Posted by Craig @ 09/29/2003 07:38 AM PST

Richard V - Hosanna in excelis the music is in transit! Now my co-workers (and boss!) can finally hear what I was up to in early June!

Jane - thank YOU!

Jason - thanks for the update on Chicago and Brent. Now that he remembers you, perhaps there's a shot at a chorus part in the show?????

Jose - next weekend is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, fasting from sunset to sunset,etc), so many H/K's will unfortunately be unavailable to sup with you. Please have a salad for us!

Posted by Phil @ 09/29/2003 07:50 AM PST

Phil: Are you blind? Do you have bad memory? Think back to the way I look, and think about how those dancers look. Now, imagine this body in those costumes. EW! Haha! I'd love to do the show, but I think I'd be better suited for Amos...in about 20 years or so. But thanks for keeping me in mind for it!

I think the vines would have been fun, too, but I think the theatre is too large to do it. And, as Craig said, what happens the first time someone's kid trips on one, or gets hit in the head with one? It would be cool, though, if they could have the vines creep out of those faux "windows" on either side of the stage, but even then, it would look cheap to just do it out of those two little windows and nowhere else. As it stands, I think the finale does for the new audiences of LITTLE SHOP what the vines did for the original audiences.

Posted by Jason @ 09/29/2003 08:02 AM PST